The creche featuring the Nativity scene
The French start their Christmas tradition by adorning their homes with yuletide ornaments. However, unlike most countries where the centerpiece is the tree, they have the crèche. This is a miniature Nativity scene display filled with clay figures of the key people during the birth of Jesus Christ.
The night before Christmas, families would usually go to cathedrals (decked out in bright lights) to hear mass. After that, they would also watch the re-enactment of Christ’s birth. By the time it’s over, it’s almost Christmas Eve, so all would rush back home to prepare for their Le Reveillon or Late Night Feast. The usual dishes you would see on their tables are turkey, goose, chicken, and capon, or oyster. Though these vary in the different regions of France, one thing stays the same—they always have their Yule log-shaped cake made of chocolate and chestnuts. Sometimes, they would also pair it up with the 3 Kings Cake, where a bean is hidden. Whoever finds out is crowned king or queen for the day and can choose his/her partner.
The hours leading to Christmas Eve Dinner are full of excitement, and as soon as the Church bells sound the Christmas carols, everyone gathers at the table. As for the kids, they leave their shoes beside the fireplace so Pere Noel can fill these up with gifts. After the feast, everyone retires for bed. But they still leave food and a lit candle on the table just in case the Virgin Mary passes by.
SPAIN
Churches in Spain usually have the Nativiy Scene decoration during Christmas
As a Catholic country, Christmas in Spain is a widely-celebrated religious holiday. Though you would often see yuletide adornments as early as November, the official festivities begin on 8 December 2011 with a mass celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
This is also the time when most homes would be decorated with Christmas trees, ornaments, and more importantly, a manger display. A cow can usually be found here for it is their belief that the cow breathed on Baby Jesus to keep him warm after he was born. During the weeks leading to Christmas Day, families have this tradition where they sing carols around the manger while the kids dance to the beat of tambourines.
The days before Christmas, everyone is in a rush to prepare for their Noche Buena or the Christmas Eve dinner. While the adults are preparing mains such as turkey, ham, and traditional treats turron and marzipan, the kids are busy stuffing their shoes with barley and straw. After that, they place these on the window for it is their belief that the three wise men would exchange them for presents.
On Christmas Eve, lights would brighten the millions of homes awaiting Christmas. After enjoying their feast and exchanging presents, the merriment would be taken to the streets where folks would do a special dance called jota. The participants would dance to music, which has been in existence for over a hundred years.
BRITAIN
British kids would usually hang socks where Santa puts their presents
Britain has an interesting way of celebrating Christmas. When the month of December arrives, they welcome it by decorating their homes with trees, candles, mistletoe, and baking their traditional dishes such as pies and puddings. The latter is a must-have on every table and is prepared by the 25th Day after the Trinity. It has 13 ingredients, which symbolise Jesus and his 12 disciples. In preparing this, each family member should take turns stirring the batter. It’s believed that this act brings about good luck, fortune, and family togetherness for the coming New Year.
In giving gifts, the usual things you would receive from them are poinsettia plants and Christmas cards. As for the kids, they believe that Santa will give them gifts so they write letters and burn them in the fireplace. It’s been said that the smoke will bring the message to Santa’s elf. On Christmas Eve, they hang socks on the fireplace so that Santa can give them gifts.
On Christmas day, they start the day by opening presents before they prepare for their feast in the late afternoon or evening. The usual dishes families serve are turkey, ham, potatoes, fruit cake, and pudding! They enjoy these dishes while watching the Christmas speech of the British Monarchy.
SWEDEN
The Swedish prepare their traditional lucia bun at Christmas
A Swedish Christmas celebration is filled with so many characters which begin with St. Lucia, a martyr who died in the 14th century because she refused to give up her faith. Her bravery is remembered by celebrating the St. Lucia’s Day on the 13th of December. On this day, the youngest daughter of every family wears a crisp white robe with a red sash. On her head is also a crown with evergreens and candle (electric ones for safety). Followed by Star boys wearing long white shirts and pointed hats, she then serves her parents with coffee and Lussekatts or Lucia buns made of saffron and raisins.
Two days before Christmas, that is the only time when homes get decorated with yuletide ornaments such as the tree, lights, Swedish flag, tulips, and a gnome. It’s the Swedish belief that this gnome lives under the floor boards and comes out during Christmas to give gifts.
On Christmas Eve, the usual dishes you would see at their feast are the ham, pickled pig’s feet, codfish. They also have a traditional porridge called Risgryngrot where an almond is hidden. It’s believed that whoever finds it will get married in the coming year.